So much time has now passed and quiet frankly I still can’t believe all that has occurred in my life in the past week. Round the clock medical care (which has been outstanding), multiple needle sticks (I lost count after 30), breathing treatments every 4 hours, IV antibiotics & steroids, ekgs, doppler exam, multiple chest x-rays, abdominal x-rays, and daily blood work (at 4:00 AM). Then add to it an allergic reaction to the IV (see attached picture), and then the onset of severe dehydration while the IV team tried all night to get another line in me. Then the good stuff; fever, projectile vomiting, and you guessed it, a hard belly and a doc with a glove. After many samples of every fluid I could offer had been examined, I still sit here with the same severe asthma/pneumonia.

Sometime we see our “storms” as unbearable and think they serve no purpose. Oddly, in my case, through all this weeks suffering (and I do mean I have suffered), the Lord has made a few things very clear to me. First, I have clearly been impressed with these words, “Trust Me! I am here for your good and I will not leave you! I have some things to teach you and I can only do this while you are quiet and listening to me.” Second, I was reminded from my first arrival to the ER, there would be a nurse that was suffering and would recognize me. Yes, she has been suffering ever since I was in the hospital for days with a family of a teenager on life support (about a year ago). She was a primary care giver and played a part in seeing this boy through the end of his life…and it took its toll on her. She visited with me and was “encouraged” by expressing her “burden” for this precious family. She has left with an understanding that the Lord still “has this” and she will be a help to others in her future along the journey. She may need help in “getting there,” but don’t we all need help from time to time?

Remember the story? Jesus on a boat with his disciples. Strangely, he’s asleep and the STORM hits! Terrified, the disciples call out to him and ask for his intervention. He calms the storm immediately. That didn’t remove the instant terror they felt…or the idea there might be more storms in their future…but it calmed this storm. Isn’t it interesting that Jesus didn’t hear the storm, but he heard a much quieter sound of a voice crying out? My room at times has been a busy and loud place; especially Thursday AM around 4:00…sometimes with up to 7 people attending me. It was noisy…lots of decisions about my immediate care…But in the STORM, Jesus heard my voice. Regardless of your storm, Jesus hears your voice…he knows your heart! The question we must all ask is: Will we trust Him?

She’s a pretty girl. Talented, gifted, friendly, outgoing; yet, lonely, troubled, and searching! She’s willing to tell her story, and it’s full of life events that causes her plenty of grief. If you want to see more pictures, search “Invisible Humans” on Facebook. Like the Page and let me know what you think!

Think life is tough? How will you get through tomorrow? All everything high school football player…all everything Division I football player…special teams standout in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints…NOW, Steve Gleason being fed through an abdominal feeding tube and bound to a chair the remainder of his life because of ALS, takes his family on a trip. Don’t ever stop and let this man’s life inspire you!

Today was an exciting day for me…a monumental day if you will! I have known Mike and Marsha for approximately 4 years…and today was the day that something exciting happened. Mike is an addict and drug dealer who loves Marsha, an addict who prostitutes herself to pay for their habits. Experiences of health issues, family death, abusive relationships, serious accidents/injuries, landed them in despair and in the streets of Flint fighting for their lives. No place to live, they “hustle” just to make enough money to get something to eat. With no health/dental care, their gums bleed and their bodies are filled with sores. With no roof over their head, their bodies smell and they long for a simple shower. They live from minute to minute and try to avoid human contact because of the judgement that comes from others who believe they can “help themselves.” As I met with them today over a meal at a local deli, God orchestrated something special (a Christian reporter, a Christian shelter counselor, and a Christian Men’s Shelter Director). After being told for 4 years (even by well meaning Christian people) that I should not “associate” with such people, I saw the hand of God work! Mike and Marsha will enter into a drug rehab program this weekend and will be transferred into a shelter for transitional living and professional development programs. Only God could do this! This is a long shot and both are in need of a miracle to make it through this journey. I am reminded that when God enters our lives and we have hit rock bottom, that we are eligible for His greatest blessings…in the form of a miracle! I’m not sure where our love should begin and end, but I am reminded that we’re not here for ourselves. I gave them a drive…I had to clean my truck. I spent an afternoon with them and it cost me a dinner and some toiletries. Such a small cost when compared to what God has done for us through His son on the cross. SO….where’s your sacrifice? Don’t miss the opportunity to invest in someone today…it’s the best return on your time and effort than anything else you can do! Not even a government shutdown can “crash the market” of human investments! By the way, the book that Marsha is holding in her hand is Crazy Loveby Francis Chan. She is searching for how God can really love her?

The past few weeks have been full of tension and unresolved issues in my life. Anyone who knows me, knows that anything left unresolved is not a good thing for me. I have found myself feeling anxious, nervous, and even angry at times over feelings of injustice by others. THEN, I began to think of things I have always said to others. Like, “it’s not what happens to you, it’s what happens in you,” and, “You can’t control the wind, but you can always adjust your sails.” Getting a bit of your own medicine never feels very good, especially, when you really believe those things. Yesterday and today was such the case when I had to take a drive and ask myself, “is my life reflecting the DNA of Christ?” As Christians, we are called to be different. Not better…but different. Not only when our lives are balanced and things are going well, but also during times of false accusations, unfair treatment, and out and out deceit about you. Let’s look back to the life of Jesus. All these things happened (and more) and yet He loved….He accepted….He cared….He forgave. Ouch! What’s your DNA look like today? I’m working on mine!

Ever take your clean drinking water for granted? Ever get frustrated for not having a new idea for dinner? Ever think your house is too small? Ever get frustrated for having to wait too long to see your doctor? Think about it!